Scientists have been concerned about their relationship with publics for centuries. In the years after World War II, the scientific community increasingly addressed those concerns, focusing on “science literacy” and “public understanding of science.” By the beginning of the 21^st century, these concerns had become a broad field of research and practice called “public engagement with science.” In this talk, I will give a history of various interactions of science and public from the 19^th century to (and beyond?) the present, highlighting both recurring and emerging issues of interest to both researchers and practitioners.